Skinny Spin Dip

I am blessed with friends who love to eat and drink as much as I do. We use to have a tradition of  going  to Applebees every Tuesday night for Trivia and half off appetizers. Our favorite appetizer to get? Spinach Artichoke  Dip. Well out of curiosity I just looked up how many calories are in that seemingly innocent tray of vegetable  dip 1,530 calories! YOWZA

I'm unbuttoning my top button just thinking about it!
There IS a better way. For the solution to massive calorie intake I'm sharing a favorite ingredient.
Greek Yogurt 

This is a staple in my fridge. I always have it around and eat it constantly with honey and blueberries. It has a very strong taste similar to sour cream.
So substituting No fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream not only has a lot less calories but you can't even tell the difference. I promise.
Here it is:

Skinny Spin Dip

8 oz or 1 package No fat Cream Cheese
1/4 Cup No fat Greek yogurt
1/2 Cup defrosted spinach
14 oz/ 1 can Artichoke Hearts
1/2 cup Parmesan
1/2 tsp/ 1 clove minced garlic
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp died minced onion
salt and pepper to taste

Soften the cream cheese and then mix it with the yogurt. Defrost the spinach in the microwave on low power for 3 mins.
....now if only I could defrost the wintry scene outside my window :-/

Next drain the can of Artichokes and then either mash them up or if you're a spazz like me you can cut them up to your liking. Then add the spinach and artichokes to the mixture and  add the rest of the ingredients .If you are trying to be extra good/healthy only put 1/4 cups of the Parmesan in. You can either put it in the oven set at 350 degrees for 20 mins or eat it cold, I personally preferred it cold.

YUM, so delicious! 

You really couldn't taste the difference. Spinach, Artichoke and Parmesan are flavors that stand out on their own so you're not comparing the difference in sour cream and plain yogurt.

The dip ended up being 600 calories for the entire amount. Ty and I couldn't finish it all and this was what I ate for dinner. What I'm saying is, you could easily share this with 4-6 as an appetizer.

Now here is the problem if you are trying to be healthier.... chips!

I've found several healthier options.
Baked Tostitos Scoops 
120 cal per oz.
3g fat 
Meijer Whole Grain Delights 
120 cal per oz
6g fat
I decided to try some natural items as dip. So I tried redskin potatoes. I cut them up and roasted the potatoes at 400 degrees for 10-15 mins.

 I put them on a baking sheet with some olive oil and salt and pepper

Very yummy, they weren't crispy but soft inside and were wonderful with the dip spread on them. This was my favorite way to eat the dip. Ty's was the chips haha

Now what to do with the leftover spinach??
I'll figure it out, you go enjoy your dip.
-Meli